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Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Japanese Shiba Inu or Decker Giant or American Gentlemen? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier" Compare Shiba Inu and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Shiba Inu Rat Terrier Boston Terrier
OriginsJapan flagJapan United States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank459721
Reviews922
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier breeds.
Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small-Size Dog
Shiba
Shiba Ken
Brushwood Dog
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
American Gentlemen
Boston Bull Terrier
Boxwood
Boston Bull
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg) 10-25 pounds (6-11kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) 17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier? Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier height comparison:
Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) 15-17 inches (38-43 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) 16 inches (40.5 cm)

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $300-$500 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier?
Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs.
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Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Confident
Going
Fearless
Keen
Faithful
Charming
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier?
Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier social needs comparison:
Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks.
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Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Boston Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Spinning
Chylothorax
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Brain Tumors
Megaesophagus
Reverse Sneezing

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier?
Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Sesame
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Black
White
Brindle
Seal
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which drools least?
The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Dense
Shiny
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier? Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Shiba Inu dogs shed above average.
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Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
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Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier?
Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Shiba Inu or Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier?
Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier?
No
Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Boston Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Shiba Inu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Boston Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 5-7 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Shiba Inu vs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shiba Inu, Rat Terrier, and Boston Terrier. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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